Popular Music and Social Change in Urban Ghana: African Expressive Cultures

Popular music has long been a powerful force for social change in Africa. In urban Ghana, music has been used to challenge authority, express identity, and mobilize communities. This book explores the role of popular music in social change in urban Ghana, examining how music has been used to shape the country's political, social, and cultural landscape.

Highlife Saturday Night: Popular Music and Social Change in Urban Ghana (African Expressive Cultures)

by Nate Plageman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4946 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Hiplife: A New Voice for the Youth

Hiplife, a genre of popular music that emerged in Ghana in the early 1990s, has been a particularly important force for social change. Hiplife artists have used their music to speak out against corruption, poverty, and injustice. They have also used their music to celebrate Ghanaian culture and identity.

One of the most famous hiplife artists is Reggie Rockstone. Rockstone is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his energetic live performances. He has been a vocal critic of the Ghanaian government and has used his music to call for change.

Another important hiplife artist is Kwaw Kese. Kese is known for his hard-hitting lyrics and his confrontational style. He has been arrested several times for his music, but he continues to speak out against injustice.

Highlife: A Genre with a Rich History

Highlife is another popular genre of music in Ghana. Highlife emerged in the early 20th century and has been a major force in Ghanaian music ever since. Highlife music is characterized by its smooth rhythms and catchy melodies.

One of the most famous highlife musicians is E.T. Mensah. Mensah is known for his soulful vocals and his elegant songwriting. He has been a major influence on generations of Ghanaian musicians.

Another important highlife musician is Nana Ampadu. Ampadu is known for his prolific songwriting and his energetic live performances. He has been a major force in the Ghanaian music industry for over 50 years.

Reggae: A Global Voice for Change

Reggae music, which originated in Jamaica, has also been a major force for social change in Ghana. Reggae artists have used their music to spread messages of peace, love, and unity. They have also used their music to protest against oppression and injustice.

One of the most famous reggae artists is Bob Marley. Marley is known for his soulful vocals and his powerful lyrics. He has been a major influence on generations of musicians and activists around the world.

Another important reggae artist is Alpha Blondy. Blondy is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his energetic live performances. He has been a vocal critic of the Ivorian government and has used his music to call for change.

Popular music has been a powerful force for social change in urban Ghana. Hiplife, highlife, and reggae artists have used their music to challenge authority, express identity, and mobilize communities. These artists have made a significant contribution to the country's political, social, and cultural landscape.

Highlife Saturday Night: Popular Music and Social Change in Urban Ghana (African Expressive Cultures)

by Nate Plageman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4946 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE